I am a soldier, and I served in the Army of Caesar when Maximianus was Emperor, albeit my grey hairs bespoke my age.
I was born in Mauretania. I soldiered under Maximian at Milan. I was a Christian from a young age, but the Emperor, who knew me, did not know it. But spies informed him I was badmouthing Roman gods. Maximian initiated a Christian persecution in what is now Milan, Italy. About, 303 A.D. an inquiry tried me for my Christian faith. I was tortured, and finally beheaded
When Maximianus questioned me, and did not like my answers, he jailed me near the Circus, by the Way of the Ticinese Gate. I nevertheless proclaimed faith in Christ Jesus, and His Blessed Mother Maryam.
The Emperor gave me six days to consider making sacrifice to the Roman gods, under threat of torture. I starved during that time, as no bread and water was allowed. Maximianus ordered a platform built at the Circus’ Hippodrome. I was led out. The Emperor again questioned me. I told him that Christ was my salvation and strength, and the Spirit was my nourishment.
I was beaten, then stretched beyond the third mark on the rack.
Maximianus then attempted to bribe me, promoted me to the magister militum rank. He offered gold silver, retinues, and property. All
I had to do was sacrifice to the Roman gods. I refused, calling the gods demons.
I told the Emperor my very self was a sacrifice in praise to Almighty God.
For three days by the Roman gate, I was jailed again. Refusing, to do as the torturers demanded, the clubs and beatings began anew. I was stretched to the 5th mark on the rack. I again refused under this torture. Maximianus again tossed me into prison, ordering my legs to be stretched apart on a slab.
I was shortly released. But the emperor’s Consiliarius, Anolinus warned me of my life. He was trying to force me to sacrifice. Maximianus then had melted lead poured over me. I prayed to Yeshua to release me, and an angel appeared. The lead was as cold water. It did not burn me. I thanked Father God and Jesus for this salvation. Christ, you who cooled the lead and enabled me to overcome the terrible tortures. “Do not allow me, I beg you, to be overcome by those men." Maximianus had me taken to the Vercelline Gate. I was able to escape as the guards fell asleep. I hid in a horse stable, but was found, and beaten by the soldiers. I was taken to a Wood called The Elms.
I prayed, “I thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, that you have not separated me from your saints, my fellow citizens, Nabor and Felix. I bless and thank you forever. Amen.” I was then beheaded.
The Emperor ordered no grave be marked. He did not allow me to be buried, so that wild animals could feast. But two animals guarded my body, one my head, and the other at my feet.
Maximianus ordered my body buried. Bishop Maternus did so, after the animals allowed the Presbyter, to do so. I was martyred, 8 May, buried by St. Maternus, bishop, 14 May.